Trin-i-tee 5:7
Encyclopedia
Trin-I-Tee 5:7 is a gospel
duo from New Orleans, Louisiana
in the United States
. The group was marketed as a gospel alternative to R&B girl groups such as Destiny's Child
and TLC
. Trin-i-tee 5:7 has sold over 2.5 million albums.
In 1998, the group released their first album entitled Trin-i-tee 5:7
which debut at #1 on the Top Gospel charts
. The album featured the songs "God's Grace" and the cover song "Oh! Mary Don't You Weep". The album later became certified gold. In 1999, Terri Brown left the group and was later replaced by singer Adrian Anderson. During that year, the group recorded and released their second album, Spiritual Love
. The album became the group's second #1 album on the Top Gospel charts. The album contained the singles "Put Your Hands" and "My Body". In 2002, the group released their third album The Kiss
which debuted at #2 on the Top Gospel charts
.
In 2007, the group left GospoCentric Records and signed a record deal with Spirit Rising Music
. In late 2007, Trin-i-tee 5:7 released their fifth album T57
, which featured the top ten gospel single "Listen". T57 charted #2 on the Top Gospel Albums, #5 on the Top Christian charts, and #12 on the Top R&B charts
.
friends Angel Taylor, Chanelle Hayes, and Terri Brown, was brought to the attention of gospel label GospoCentric Records
by their manager Kenneth Grant. Label owner Viki Mack Lataillade pictured them crossing over to urban market as her flagship artist Kirk Franklin
had four years before. "A great deal of attention was put into their imaging because there's a fine line you have to walk with female talent with relation to church and secular audiences as well," Lataillade told Billboard magazine in 1998.
The label named the group Trin-i-tee 5:7 based on 1 John 5:7 biblical scripture
that refers to the Trinity
.
was released in 1998 with production credits including R. Kelly
and T.D Jakes. With preorders of 100,000 copies and an aggressive urban marketing campaign, the project debuted at No. 3 on the gospel charts and eventually stepped up to the top slot. It also reached the R&B Top 20 charts and was eventually certified gold. The album created three gospel radio hits in "You Can Always Call His Name," "Mary Don't You Weep
" and "God's Grace." The CD would go on to spend 7 weeks at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Album chart, over 30 weeks in the Top on Billboard's Contemporary Christian chart, and almost 50 weeks on Billboard's Top R&B Albums chart.
On 28 December 1999 the group issued their second project, Spiritual Love
which featured the Christian Chart hits "I Promise" (featuring Crystal Lewis
) and "My Body". "Our videos and our music are really different from most of what's out in the music industry today," says Angel. "We want to convey hope and positiveness and that's really who we are. The more popular we become, the more attention will be focused on our personal lives. I think the best thing we can do is show the world what Christianity
is all about through the way we live our own lives."
The album featured collaborations with gospel artists such as Kirk Franklin
, Tramaine Hawkins, Crystal Lewis
, and Natalie Wilson (founder of the B.O.P Chorale).
was issued in 2002, they were having problems with GospoCentric. The urban radio track "Holla" didn't get the urban radio push they felt the song merited and failed to make it on the R&B Charts. During that period Kenneth Grant left his post as the group's manager, and they sought to be released from their recording contract, but the label refused.
Pop star Brandy
's mother and manager, Sonja Norwood, took over management and brought the group to a higher level of mainstream respect by booking them on major non-gospel television shows. However, she eventually turned the management over to Beyoncé
's father and manager, Mathew Knowles.
was released the same year. T57 charted at #2 on the Gospel charts and #102 on the Billboard 200. The lead single, "Listen" charted at #9 on the U.S. Gospel charts
. The group later embarked on their The Sisters In Spirit tour. In September 2008, a deluxe edition of T57 was released featuring three additional songs including the single "Get Away
" which the group performed at BET
's annual Celebration of Gospel. The album won two Dove Awards and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
After the release of T57, the group began doing individual projects. Chanelle pursued an acting career. Angel Taylor became the co-host for BET's 106 & Gospel, which premiered January 11, 2009 and lasted for only one season. Adrian Anderson along with Soulfruit appeared on Spirit Rising's Pastor Rudy Experience album. Adrian also launched her own beauty line.
They released their first Christmas album, Love, Peace, Joy at Christmas, on October 26, 2009.
, and Angel's high-pitched, distinctive soprano
is one of the centers to their style. Musically, the group has been consistent with using R&B-styled songs and lyrics that discuss their lives as Christian
women, as opposed to the typical subject matter found in various religious music, which has brought them some controversy in the gospel
music industry, as well as in the religion all together. However, they are most recognized and often criticized for their style choices in fashion and clothing, choosing a more modern, feminist
style of dress, which some audiences find inappropriate attire for Christian musicians.
from the soap opera As the World Turns
.
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
duo from New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The group was marketed as a gospel alternative to R&B girl groups such as Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child was an American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girl's Tyme...
and TLC
TLC (band)
TLC is an American musical trio whose repertoire spanned R&B, hip-hop, soul, funk, and new jack swing. Originally consisting of singer Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, rapper-singer Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and singer Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas it found success in the 1990s while also enduring a series of spats...
. Trin-i-tee 5:7 has sold over 2.5 million albums.
In 1998, the group released their first album entitled Trin-i-tee 5:7
Trin-i-tee 5:7 (album)
Trin-i-tee 5:7 is the first album of gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. The self-titled release spawned three singles "Oh! Mary Don't You Weep", "God's Grace", and "You Can Always Call His Name". The album became certified gold in 2000. The album debut at #1 , #2 , #4 , #20 , and #139...
which debut at #1 on the Top Gospel charts
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
. The album featured the songs "God's Grace" and the cover song "Oh! Mary Don't You Weep". The album later became certified gold. In 1999, Terri Brown left the group and was later replaced by singer Adrian Anderson. During that year, the group recorded and released their second album, Spiritual Love
Spiritual Love (album)
Spiritual Love is the second album of gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. The album features the singles, "Put Your Hands", "I Promise" and "My Body" and "There He Is". The album chartered #1 Top Gospel Albums, #5 , #5 , #41 Top R&B charts, and #174 Billboard 200....
. The album became the group's second #1 album on the Top Gospel charts. The album contained the singles "Put Your Hands" and "My Body". In 2002, the group released their third album The Kiss
The Kiss (album)
The Kiss is the third studio album by gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. Featuring production by PAJAM, "Uncle Freddie" Jerkins and Myron Butler, "musically, The Kiss is urban contemporary/neo-soul with hip-hop elements, but lyrically", the album "is gospel". Described as "promoting Christianity" in a...
which debuted at #2 on the Top Gospel charts
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
.
In 2007, the group left GospoCentric Records and signed a record deal with Spirit Rising Music
Mathew Knowles
Mathew Knowles is an American music executive and manager. He is the father and former manager of R&B singer Beyoncé , Knowles also managed Kelly Rowland as well as girl group Destiny's Child . He was also the manager of Solange Knowles.-Manager and producer:Knowles is an alumnus of Fisk...
. In late 2007, Trin-i-tee 5:7 released their fifth album T57
T57
T57 is the fifth album of gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. The album was released September 18, 2007, on Spirit Rising Music.-Chart performance and sales:...
, which featured the top ten gospel single "Listen". T57 charted #2 on the Top Gospel Albums, #5 on the Top Christian charts, and #12 on the Top R&B charts
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
.
Origins
The New Orleans-based gospel group composed of elementaryElementary
Elementary may refer to:*Elementary or Primary education, the first years of formal, structured education that occur during childhood*Elementary school, a school providing elementary or primary education*Elementary , 2007...
friends Angel Taylor, Chanelle Hayes, and Terri Brown, was brought to the attention of gospel label GospoCentric Records
GospoCentric Records
GospoCentric Records is an Inglewood, California based Gospel music record label started as an independent label by Vicki Mack Lataillade and Claude Lataillade in 1993. The label rose to prominence in the 90's largely on the runaway success of gospel artist Kirk Franklin. The label has grown to...
by their manager Kenneth Grant. Label owner Viki Mack Lataillade pictured them crossing over to urban market as her flagship artist Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin
Kirk Dwayne Franklin is an American Gospel music musician, choir director, and author, and is most notably known for leading urban contemporary gospel choirs such as The Family, God's Property and One Nation Crew .- Early years :...
had four years before. "A great deal of attention was put into their imaging because there's a fine line you have to walk with female talent with relation to church and secular audiences as well," Lataillade told Billboard magazine in 1998.
The label named the group Trin-i-tee 5:7 based on 1 John 5:7 biblical scripture
Comma Johanneum
The Comma Johanneum is a comma in the First Epistle of John according to the Latin Vulgate text as transmitted since the Early Middle Ages, based on Vetus Latina minority readings dating to the 7th century...
that refers to the Trinity
Trinity
The Christian doctrine of the Trinity defines God as three divine persons : the Father, the Son , and the Holy Spirit. The three persons are distinct yet coexist in unity, and are co-equal, co-eternal and consubstantial . Put another way, the three persons of the Trinity are of one being...
.
Trin-i-tee 5:7
The group's self titled debut projectTrin-i-tee 5:7 (album)
Trin-i-tee 5:7 is the first album of gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. The self-titled release spawned three singles "Oh! Mary Don't You Weep", "God's Grace", and "You Can Always Call His Name". The album became certified gold in 2000. The album debut at #1 , #2 , #4 , #20 , and #139...
was released in 1998 with production credits including R. Kelly
R. Kelly
Robert Sylvester Kelly , better known by his stage name R. Kelly, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. A native of Chicago, Kelly began performing during the late 1980s and debuted in 1992 with the group Public Announcement. In 1993, Kelly went solo with the album 12 Play...
and T.D Jakes. With preorders of 100,000 copies and an aggressive urban marketing campaign, the project debuted at No. 3 on the gospel charts and eventually stepped up to the top slot. It also reached the R&B Top 20 charts and was eventually certified gold. The album created three gospel radio hits in "You Can Always Call His Name," "Mary Don't You Weep
Mary Don't You Weep
"Mary Don't You Weep" is a Negro spiritual that originates from before the American Civil War – thus it is what scholars call a "slave song," "a label that describes their origins among the enslaved," and it contains "coded messages of hope and resistance." It is...
" and "God's Grace." The CD would go on to spend 7 weeks at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Album chart, over 30 weeks in the Top on Billboard's Contemporary Christian chart, and almost 50 weeks on Billboard's Top R&B Albums chart.
1999-2000: Spiritual Love
In mid-1999, as they were preparing to record their second album, Terri Brown left the group to focus more on her family, and was quickly replaced by the group's make up artist Adrian Anderson.On 28 December 1999 the group issued their second project, Spiritual Love
Spiritual Love (album)
Spiritual Love is the second album of gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. The album features the singles, "Put Your Hands", "I Promise" and "My Body" and "There He Is". The album chartered #1 Top Gospel Albums, #5 , #5 , #41 Top R&B charts, and #174 Billboard 200....
which featured the Christian Chart hits "I Promise" (featuring Crystal Lewis
Crystal Lewis
Crystal Lewis is an American contemporary Christian/Gospel vocalist, songwriter and author.-Early years:Lewis grew up singing in her father's church...
) and "My Body". "Our videos and our music are really different from most of what's out in the music industry today," says Angel. "We want to convey hope and positiveness and that's really who we are. The more popular we become, the more attention will be focused on our personal lives. I think the best thing we can do is show the world what Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
is all about through the way we live our own lives."
The album featured collaborations with gospel artists such as Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin
Kirk Dwayne Franklin is an American Gospel music musician, choir director, and author, and is most notably known for leading urban contemporary gospel choirs such as The Family, God's Property and One Nation Crew .- Early years :...
, Tramaine Hawkins, Crystal Lewis
Crystal Lewis
Crystal Lewis is an American contemporary Christian/Gospel vocalist, songwriter and author.-Early years:Lewis grew up singing in her father's church...
, and Natalie Wilson (founder of the B.O.P Chorale).
2002-2003: The Kiss
By the time the group's The KissThe Kiss (album)
The Kiss is the third studio album by gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. Featuring production by PAJAM, "Uncle Freddie" Jerkins and Myron Butler, "musically, The Kiss is urban contemporary/neo-soul with hip-hop elements, but lyrically", the album "is gospel". Described as "promoting Christianity" in a...
was issued in 2002, they were having problems with GospoCentric. The urban radio track "Holla" didn't get the urban radio push they felt the song merited and failed to make it on the R&B Charts. During that period Kenneth Grant left his post as the group's manager, and they sought to be released from their recording contract, but the label refused.
Pop star Brandy
Brandy Norwood
Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
's mother and manager, Sonja Norwood, took over management and brought the group to a higher level of mainstream respect by booking them on major non-gospel television shows. However, she eventually turned the management over to Beyoncé
Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles , often known simply as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child...
's father and manager, Mathew Knowles.
2004-2010: T57
After a lengthy hiatus, the group was finally released from GospoCentric and Knowles signed them to Spirit Rising, the gospel music division of his Music World Entertainment record label. In 2007, GospoCentric released their first greatest hits album Holla: The Best of Trin-i-tee 5:7. Their fourth studio album T57T57
T57 is the fifth album of gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. The album was released September 18, 2007, on Spirit Rising Music.-Chart performance and sales:...
was released the same year. T57 charted at #2 on the Gospel charts and #102 on the Billboard 200. The lead single, "Listen" charted at #9 on the U.S. Gospel charts
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
. The group later embarked on their The Sisters In Spirit tour. In September 2008, a deluxe edition of T57 was released featuring three additional songs including the single "Get Away
T57
T57 is the fifth album of gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. The album was released September 18, 2007, on Spirit Rising Music.-Chart performance and sales:...
" which the group performed at BET
Bet
Bet or BET may refer to:* A wager in gambling* Basic Economics Test * Bet , the second letter in many Semitic alphabets, including Aramaic, Hebrew, Phoenician and Syriac* Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm. See BET_theory...
's annual Celebration of Gospel. The album won two Dove Awards and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
After the release of T57, the group began doing individual projects. Chanelle pursued an acting career. Angel Taylor became the co-host for BET's 106 & Gospel, which premiered January 11, 2009 and lasted for only one season. Adrian Anderson along with Soulfruit appeared on Spirit Rising's Pastor Rudy Experience album. Adrian also launched her own beauty line.
They released their first Christmas album, Love, Peace, Joy at Christmas, on October 26, 2009.
2011-present: From a Trio to a Duo
In 2011, Trin-i-tee 5:7 announced their transition from a trio to a duo. Chanelle Haynes and Angel Taylor will move forward as a duo and Adrian Anderson will pursue other career opportunities. "The evolution of Trinitee 5:7 has come with many beautiful seasons, and great accomplishments," said Taylor and Haynes. "We've been tremendously blessed to have been given the opportunity to inspire so many through our music. A new season has come upon us, and we realize by embracing this change, the best is yet to come." Their sixth studio album, Angel and Chanelle, was released on May 31, 2011 and peaked at #2 and #20 on the Billboard Gospel Albums and Billboard 200 charts, respectively. Its lead single, "Over & Over", featured gospel songwriter PJ Morton and peaked at #2 on the Billboard Gospel Songs chart.Style
Trin-i-tee 5:7's style rests with their group vocal, image, and songs. Vocally, the heavy contrast between Chanelle's deep, almost androgynous contraltoContralto
Contralto is the deepest female classical singing voice, with the lowest tessitura, falling between tenor and mezzo-soprano. It typically ranges between the F below middle C to the second G above middle C , although at the extremes some voices can reach the E below middle C or the second B above...
, and Angel's high-pitched, distinctive soprano
Soprano
A soprano is a voice type with a vocal range from approximately middle C to "high A" in choral music, or to "soprano C" or higher in operatic music. In four-part chorale style harmony, the soprano takes the highest part, which usually encompasses the melody...
is one of the centers to their style. Musically, the group has been consistent with using R&B-styled songs and lyrics that discuss their lives as Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
women, as opposed to the typical subject matter found in various religious music, which has brought them some controversy in the gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
music industry, as well as in the religion all together. However, they are most recognized and often criticized for their style choices in fashion and clothing, choosing a more modern, feminist
Christian feminism
Christian feminism is an aspect of feminist theology which seeks to advance and understand the equality of men and women morally, socially, spiritually, and in leadership from a Christian perspective. Christian feminists argue that contributions by women in that direction are necessary for a...
style of dress, which some audiences find inappropriate attire for Christian musicians.
Philanthropy
Following Hurricane Katrina, Trin-i-tee 5:7 formed the Trin-i-tee 5:7 Ambassador of Hope and Triumph Campaign. The group has taken the campaign to New Orleans, offering help to those affected by the hurricane. They have also visited Mississippi. In 2008, Trin-i-tee 5:7 took the campaign to Sacramento and Los Angeles, California, and Houston, Texas.Personal lives
Chanelle Hayes dated Lamman RuckerLamman Rucker
Lamman Rucker is an American actor. He currently appeared on the TBS sitcom Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns.-Early life:...
from the soap opera As the World Turns
As the World Turns
As the World Turns is an American television soap opera that aired on CBS from April 2, 1956 to September 17, 2010. Irna Phillips created As the World Turns as a sister show to her other soap opera Guiding Light...
.
Discography
- 1998: Trin-i-tee 5:7Trin-i-tee 5:7 (album)Trin-i-tee 5:7 is the first album of gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. The self-titled release spawned three singles "Oh! Mary Don't You Weep", "God's Grace", and "You Can Always Call His Name". The album became certified gold in 2000. The album debut at #1 , #2 , #4 , #20 , and #139...
- 1999: Spiritual LoveSpiritual Love (album)Spiritual Love is the second album of gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. The album features the singles, "Put Your Hands", "I Promise" and "My Body" and "There He Is". The album chartered #1 Top Gospel Albums, #5 , #5 , #41 Top R&B charts, and #174 Billboard 200....
- 2002: The KissThe Kiss (album)The Kiss is the third studio album by gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. Featuring production by PAJAM, "Uncle Freddie" Jerkins and Myron Butler, "musically, The Kiss is urban contemporary/neo-soul with hip-hop elements, but lyrically", the album "is gospel". Described as "promoting Christianity" in a...
- 2007: Holla: The Best of Trin-i-tee 5:7
- 2007: T57T57T57 is the fifth album of gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. The album was released September 18, 2007, on Spirit Rising Music.-Chart performance and sales:...
- 2009: Love, Peace, Joy at Christmas
- 2011: Angel & Chanelle
Awards and Nominations
- BET Award
- Best Gospel Artist (2008) - Nominated
- Best Gospel Artist (2009) - Nominated
- Dove Award
- Urban Recorded Song of The Year (2008) "Listen" - Won
- Urban Album of The Year (2008) "T57" - Won
- Grammy Award
- Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album (2003) "The Kiss" - Nominated
- Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album (2008) "T57" - Nominated